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"Navy - NOLS color choice for their Thelma Flys for blending in. Pros-blends in well at dusk and dark, doesn't attract attention from people or animals. Dries quickly in sunlight. Makes the best shade if an ample insulating air distance (3 ft) is kept between you and the tarp, Best projection from snow blindness.Cons-lets less light through, dreary in dreary weather, can be hot in hot weather if fabric is close to the body.Purple,Brown,RoyalPros-blends in well at dusk and dark, doesn't attract attention from people or animals. Dries quickly in sunlight. Makes the best shade if an ample insulating air distance (3 ft) is kept between you and the tarp, Best projection from snow blindness.Cons-lets less light through, dreary in dreary weather, can be hot in hot weather if fabric is close to the body.Grey - most popular with backpackers Pros-blends in well in many settings. Doesn't attract attention from people or animals.Lets lots of light through.Cons-dreary in dreary weather, lets radient heat through in hot weather (doesn't give very dark shade) gives little protection from snow blindness.Bright Orange or Chartruese- SAR and survival kit favoritesPros-cheery in dreary weather, easily spotted in emergencies or when returning to campin stormy weather. Lets lot of light through. Hunting safetyCons-shows dirt, may attract unwanted attention from people or animals, gives little shade, gives little protection from snow blindness.Leaf green - bowhunters choicePros-blends in well in many settings. lets some light through, good compromise for all around use.Gold - boaters pickPros-cheery in dreary weather, easily spotted in emergencies or when returning to camp in stormy weather. Lets lot of light through.Cons-shows dirt, may attract unwanted attention from people or animals, gives little protection from snow blindness.One thing to consider if you do snow camping and spend time insideduring the day, yellow lets in a lot of light which can lead to snowblindnesson a sunny day. Years ago REI did tests of colors and decided a dark orangewas best for mountaineering tents- they were cheery and easy to find, butcut down on light more to help stave off snow blindness.Most folks that buy our shelters and fabric prefer-bright colors if they snow camp,navy, black, green or gray if they trail hike (to hide from the crowds),black or navy for desert for better shade with high pitch,orange or yellow for emergency shelters and search and rescue,yellow for river trips for mood enhancement on rainy days,blaze orange, green or gray for hunters (depending on the type of hunting military tactical)gray or green for those in bear country ( to avoid visually attracting them)photographers like a bit of color in their photos."

Wow.....great info. The comment about a grey tarp letting radiant heat through seems to jive with what we experienced. Sounds like a darker color would create better shade. However, the lighter color will work better on spring & fall trips when we need more light & rain protection.
Thanks to all for the input. And Old Gringo.....you are right, the best shade comes from a big old tree !!!!!!!!
KJ